Effects of cadmium on survival and morphology of cultured rat Sertoli cells

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The toxicity of different metals on isolated Sertoli cells grown in culture was investigated. CH3HgCl and HgCl2 were more toxic than CdCl2, which was slightly more toxic than As2O3. Isolated peritubular cells and Sertoli cells were equally sensitive to Cd. Cd reduced the Sertoli cell survival over the concentration range of 1-10 .mu.M. Freeze-etch EM of Cd-exposed Sertoli cells revealed circular areas of average diameter 500 nm devoid of intramembrane particles in the nuclear membrane, and general signs of degeneration such as vesiculation of the plasma membrane and intramembrane particle aggregation. Cd did not dissolve junctional complexes between Sertoli cells. Isolated Sertoli cells were protected against Cd-induced damage when the cells were preincubated for 48 h with Se, Zn or low doses of Cd. Preincubation with Co, FSH, testosterone or estradiol did not protect against Cd-induced damage. Cd bound to metallothionein had no toxic effects on isolated Sertoli cells.